Anzac Day Commemoration 2022

During our very memorable ANZAC Day Commemorative Service on Wednesday 17 April, we remembered all those who have been involved in wars and conflicts.

The service included an overview of the Gallipoli Campaign, the sharing of stories about significant women who contributed to World War I, the recitation of poetry, prayers, the laying of a wreath, the Ode of Remembrance, the Last Post, the Rouse and the National Anthem.

A highlight of our service was a moving reflection from Mr Bray, who spoke about his Great Grandfather, Alan Moffatt. Alan was a skilled horseman, who volunteered for war in 1916, training in Cairo, Egypt, before being sent to the arid open desert of Palestine. Alan was part of the 52nd Recruits to the infamous Australian Light Horse, joining the 7th Brigade. On 31 October 1917, Alan and his regiment, alongside, British, Indian, Rhodesian and New Zealander mounted troops, attacked the Ottoman stronghold of Beersheba. This would be one of the last great cavalry charges in history. Of the 15,000 allied troops involved, 171 were killed. It was a decisive Australian-led victory. Alan survived the battle and continued to serve until he was medically discharged in early 1918.

The ANZAC spirit and the values it demonstrates remain our common bedrock, creed, and source of hope and confidence through difficult and uncertain times in the world and in our communities. Times that would be wholly unrecognizable to our original ANZACs.

We are Australians. We are born of the ANZACs. We are the custodians and stewards of their spirit, now and into the future. We must take good care of it.

A special thank you to the Year 12 Modern History class for their leadership and organisational efforts, to Mr Bray for sharing his personal history, and to Annabel Femia, Katie Mackay and the College Choir for sharing their musical talents during our ANZAC Commemorative Service.

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